In 1653, on this site, the German fortifier and architect Memhardt, the future burgomaster of Friedrichswerder, the then city, present-day district of Berlin, built for himself a two-story mansion in the Baroque style. This was the first stone building in Friedrichswerder. Over time, the mansion fell into disrepair and, in 1795-1796, was reconstructed and expanded. In 1799, it became the headquarters of the commandant of Berlin. In 1806, during the occupation of Berlin by Napoleon's army, Stendhal, the French military commissar of Berlin, was located in this building. In 1873-1874 the building was completely rebuilt in the neo-Renaissance style. A third floor was added, the roof became flat, and sculptures were added. During World War II, the building was seriously damaged by bombing and shelling and was completely dismantled. In its place, the building of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of the GDR was erected. After the reunification of Germany, the Foreign Ministry building was completely dismantled in 1995 and restoration of the old commandant's office began. Due to the loss of old plans for the building, construction was carried out using old photographs. Construction was completed in November 2003.

Beautifully rebuilt according to old plans. (The glass building at the back used to be open, for horses etc)

Beautiful building from the 16th century.

The palace was built in 1795/96 and served as the seat of the commander of the Berlin garrison from 1799. Completely destroyed in 1945, the building was reconstructed from 2001-03 and is now the headquarters of the Bertelsmann Foundation.

Reconstructions are worthwhile. And here too, the combination of old (front façade facing the linden trees) and modern (rear façade) works.

Bertelsmann headquarters and great ambience in an old building with a great kitchen and bar on the 1st floor

The building fits perfectly into the historical building ensemble.

Good idea to resurrect an old building, so to speak. At least the old building ensemble has been restored.

Wonderful building

Great building